Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or you just like to travel, there's something to see in Rotterdam. This modern port city in the Dutch province of South Holland is known for its bold architecture and canalside shopping. Here are a few must-sees when visiting.
SS Rotterdam
SS Rotterdam is a former cruise ship built by Holland America Line. She is now a floating hotel and conference venue in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She is owned by WestCord Hotels.
The SS Rotterdam is a ship with a lot of history. It was built to be a transatlantic liner. It has a unique design that is still found on cruise ships today.
It was a popular ship that made many transatlantic crossings. It was also used for fund raising events in New York. These events raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. The artwork on the ship was excellent. The SS Rotterdam's hull was saved from breakers.
Cube Houses
Architect Piet Blom built a series of Cube Houses in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in the mid-1980s. The complex is a unique architectural landmark that continues to attract visitors.
The cube-shaped building has a striking yellow facade that draws attention to its location. It also contains a small playground, a pedestrian bridge over a busy road, and a cafe-restaurant. The Rotterdam Central Library is located next door to the Kubuswoningen complex. The library is the largest public library in the Netherlands and includes a cafe-restaurant and cabaret theatre.
The cube structure is made of a structural wooden skeleton covered with 18mm fiber cement panels and a reinforced concrete floor. It is also insulated with rock wool. The windows are double glass panels with a high insulation value.
Van Nelle Fabriek Factory
Located in the city of Rotterdam, the Van Nelle Fabriek Factory is an industrial architecture site which is a prominent landmark in the city. Built in the late 1920s, it is a prime example of twentieth century industrial architecture.
The original purpose of the Van Nelle factory was to produce tea, coffee and tobacco. It was designed by Leendert van der Vlugt and Johannes Brinkman. They used the curtain wall principle and steel and glass facades. The interior working space was also designed to meet the needs of the time.
The factory buildings had plenty of garden space and outdoor light. The factory was constructed as an ideal factory, open to the outside world.
Grothe of Sint-Laurenskerk
Originally a medieval building, the Grote Laurenskerk is the only late Gothic building left in Rotterdam. It's also the only building in the city to have survived the Second World War.
The Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk was built between 1449 and 1525. It was a basilica, which underwent reformation in 1572.
The tower has two levels: one on the ground floor, and the other on the first floor. The top level offers a breathtaking view of the Rotterdam skyline. The tower also features a large drum and a carillon from the 17th century. There are guided tours of the tower. Those who are willing to pay the price can climb up the 300 stairs to the roof.
Arboretum Trompenburg
Located in the heart of Rotterdam, Arboretum Trompenburg is a beautiful botanical garden. The park is filled with diverse plants. The arboretum offers visitors a large selection of woody and woody-like plants. There are 67 different types of trees, as well as 125 types of plants.
Originally, the garden was created by James Smith, an English businessman. He was given a plot of land by a merchant. The land was later owned by the Van Hoey Smith family, a prominent Dutch family in the shipping industry. The family planted exotic trees in the area.
In the early 19th century, the Arboretum was reconstructed by Zocher. The new version was in an English landscape style. Afterwards, the grounds were used as farmland.
Witte de Withstraat
Located in Rotterdam, the Witte de Withstraat is a street named after Dutch naval officer Witte Corneliszoon de With (1599-1658). In the 1970s, Witte de Withstraat was a louche neighborhood with illegal gokhuizen (chicken pots). However, it has been remodeled into a trendy and hip area. The street has several shops and restaurants.
Witte de Withstraat has a variety of cafes and restaurants. One of the most popular is the Bazar restaurant. The restaurant features Persian lamps and mosaics. The bar is spacious and offers tropical cocktails. The staff is friendly and professional. There are also house DJs who provide music on weekends. The menu is extensive and offers a wide range of wines.